iRobot Pushes Into Ocean Technology with Nekton Acquisition

iRobot Inc. (IRBT), which brought us the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner, is pushing into ocean-going unmanned technologies by acquiring Nekton Research LLC.

The company, which went public in 2005, said it would pay $10 million plus a $5 million earnout to acquire Nekton, which makes underwater robots. The company's Ranger (pictured) unmanned underwater vehicle, or UUV, looks like a torpedo, and, in some applications, can kind of be used as one. It's stated purpose is "search and survey," but the 20-pound robot can also deliver a "mine neutralizing charge" payload.

Founded out of research from Duke University, the startup also makes robots that take water samples, highly maneuverable finned UUVs and a high-speed UUV, among other products. Its customers include the Office of Naval Research, the Environmental Protection Agency and Naval Undersea Warfare Command. Nekton president and CEO Rick Vosburgh, who will become head of iRobot's maritime systems unit, said that joining the larger company will enable commercial production of its Ranger prototype by late in 2009. - Olaf de Senerpont Domis

See Sept. 8 press release on Nekton acquisition from iRobot
See November 2005 story on iRobot's IPO from TheDeal.com